Val James Suardini

Val James Suardini, 73, of Little Lake, Michigan passed away peacefully Friday, January 10, 2025.
Val was born in Marquette, Michigan on March 5, 1951 to the late Vilermo "Lemo" and Phyllis Suardini. He graduated from Gwinn High School in 1969 where he also played football. He remained an avid football fan and was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder. He always enjoyed fishing in his youth, having traveled the Upper Peninsula of Michigan fishing all of the favorite streams and rivers. It was in high school that he would meet the love of his life, Caprice "Cappi" Wortman and from then on, the two were inseparable. They were married on April 8, 1972.
Following high school, Val worked briefly for Vollwerth & Co. Sausage Manufacturing before taking over the reins of his family business, Brown's Store in Little Lake, where he and Cappi became third generation owners of the local store. He and Cappi spent the next 45 years devoted to their community. Val worked behind the meat counter as a butcher and was well known for quality steaks, pasty pies, and hometown customer service. Val and Cappi sold the store and retired in 2015.
Following retirement, Val enjoyed wintering in Treasure Island, Florida, on Sunset Beach, where he and Cappi made some great friends. He loved to be on the beach to take a morning walk or sit on the beach with his fishing pole, having conversations with anyone who crossed his path. He had a gift of gab, along with a Yooper accent, that was engaging, kind, and welcoming. He treasured his friendships and loved the snowbird lifestyle enjoying daily sunsets with all his friends. Val also enjoyed gardening, listening to music, and giving of his time at the American Legion Post 349 in Little Lake, Michigan, where he helped make pasties, and potato sausage with his lifelong friends.
He had a great sense of humor and loved sharing stories of times past. One of his greatest accomplishments was building a log hunting cabin by hand with his dad and son, Tony. Little did he know how much joy that camp would bring to him and his family. Val loved to hunt and enjoyed walking those woods, and getting things ready for opening day of deer season. His hunting camp brought family together and created lifelong bonds.
Val was preceded in death by Cappi in 2021. He was truly one of a kind. If you knew him, you loved him. He leaves behind a strong legacy of family with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who crossed his path.
Beloved husband of the late Caprice "Cappi" for 49 years. Devoted father of Britton Nurmi, Calice Borg (Gary), and Anthony Suardini (Dona). Proud Papa of Mattie Nurmi, Eliana Borg, Lilia Suardini, Adeline Suardini, and Violet Suardini. Dear brother of Dennis Suardini (Jean), Anthony Suardini (Mary), and Jacki Minelli (Joe). Brother-in-law of Christopher Wortman.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward Ave Royal Oak, MI 48073. A Sharing of Memories will be held at 2:00pm.
A future memorial service will be held and announced in Little Lake, Michigan where Val will be laid to rest with his beloved Cappi at the Gwinn Cemetery in Gwinn, Michigan.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the American Legion Post 349 P.O. Box 335 Little Lake, MI 49833 in Val's memory.